Category: Minnesota Legislature

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs $1.9 billion public works bill

The governor highlighted job creation as he signed the measure. 

Gov. Tim Walz signed a $1.9 billion public works infrastructure package into law Wednesday, touting the jobs it will add as a growing number of Minnesotans have given up on looking for work amid the pandemic.

“The ability to create jobs, get them in the pipeline and be able to build is going to be absolutely critical for keeping these folks employed and keeping the state moving forward,” Walz said as he signed the bill at the Ironworkers Union Local 512 training center in St. Paul.

The measure included historic levels of state-backed borrowing for public projects, known as bonding, as well as additional state-agency spending and a tax break to help farmers and small businesses when they buy equipment. Continue reading.

Minnesota House Select Committee on Racial Justice discusses economic impact of systemic racism, concludes weekly series of hearings

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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Members of the Minnesota House Select Committee on Racial Justice met today for a hearing devoted to the economic impact of systemic racism. Minnesotans can watch video of the entire conversation here beginning later today. 

“Systemic racism is expensive and it leads to a less prosperous country and a less prosperous Minnesota,” said committee co-chair Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL – Mendota Heights). “Through a series of weekly hearings, we’ve set the groundwork for compiling bold recommendations and I’m grateful to everyone who participated in the process thus far, especially those closest to the real pain associated with these issues.”

Legislators began the meeting by watching an excerpt of the tpt documentary “Jim Crow of the North” followed by a presentation and Q&A withDr. Bruce Corrie of Concordia St. Paul. Committee members also received a new report published September 2020 entitled “Closing the Racial Inequality Gaps: The Economic Cost of Black Inequality in the U.S.” The report, led by Citi, found that failure to address racial gaps between Blacks and whites in areas that include wages, housing, education, and business investment has cost the U.S. economy $16 trillion and 6.1 million jobs over the last 20 years. 

“There is a cost associated with Economic racism. Minnesota continues to experience unacceptable economic disparities which impact employment, entrepreneurship, starting a small business or promoting fair living practices,” said Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul), co-chair of the Select Committee. “We all must come together to work with diverse communities and the public and private sectors as a solution to eliminate disparities and create pathways for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color so that every Minnesotan can live up to their fullest potential.”

Today marked the final in a series of weekly hearings that began on September 22, 2020. Public comments and recommendations are still being accepted by the committee through Sunday, October 27, 2020. The focus will now turn to compiling a set of recommendations based on the expert testimony, public comments, and information gathered over the course of five hearings in order to put forth a slate of recommendations to be considered by the committee.

“It’s clear that inequities are holding back Minnesotans of color and hurting our state,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We have to work together to eliminate these gaps  and ensure all Minnesotans can build the futures they want for themselves and their families, no exceptions.”

The Select Committee on Racial Justice was established as part of a July 11 Minnesota House resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. A list of select committee members is available here. Minnesotans can submit public comments and recommendations through October 27, 2020 by contacting committee administrator Laura Taken-Holtze at Laura.Taken-Holtze@house.mn.

DFL Party Responds to GOP Contract on Minnesota

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA  – On Monday, the Minnesota DFL Party slammed the plan released by Minnesota Republicans to disregard the COVID-19 pandemic and allow for a total reopening of the state of Minnesota. 

In releasing their “Contract to Open Minnesota”, Republicans doubled down on their reckless disregard for the pandemic that has killed over 223,000 Americans and 2,200 Minnesotans by proposing to permit restaurants, bars, and other venues to completely reopen with no capacity, social distancing, or masking requirements.

DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin released the following statement:

“Make no mistake, the Minnesota Republican Party’s plan to entirely ignore COVID-19 is going to get people killed. Republican leaders like Donald Trump, Paul Gazelka, Kurt Daudt, and Jennifer Carnahan have already exposed Minnesotans to COVID-19 through their reckless campaigning and this plan will only make things worse.

Continue reading “DFL Party Responds to GOP Contract on Minnesota”

Biden takes cautious approach ahead of second Trump debate

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Former Vice President Joe Biden is taking a cautious approach ahead of the final presidential debate against President Trump in what is expected to be one of the final turning points in the campaign.

Public polls show the Democratic nominee leading in the core battleground states and running away from the president in national surveys, although the Biden campaign has warned that the race is far closer than how it’s being characterized by the national media.

Under pressure to alter the course of the race, Trump will make two stops in Arizona on Monday, followed by trips to Pennsylvania and North Carolina ahead of Thursday’s debate.

House Education Finance Chair introduces bill to protect school funding amid declining enrollments

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SAINT PAUL, Minn. – House Education Finance Chair Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis) introduced legislation this week that stabilizes school funding as COVID-19 creates uncertainty for students, families, and schools. It does this by authorizing the use of the prior year’s pupil count for the 2020-2021 school year funding formulas. 

“School districts around the state are experiencing an unprecedented variation in their enrollment numbers due to the pandemic,” said Chair Davnie. “Our schools are our community safety nets – they ensure that students are prepared for a successful future through meeting their needs as they grow and develop. In order to deliver on that healthy future, the legislature needs to provide school districts with as much support as possible right now and this bill will help do that.”

Rep. Davnie’s legislation would add temporary stability to districts’ bottom lines to keep supports flowing to students and would ensure districts can maintain current programs and current staffing levels.

“We are down 216 students to home school and 20 more to post-secondary enrollment options (PSEO) than in a normal year,” said Menahga School Board Chair Andrea Haverinen. “This will equate to a $2.5 million loss in revenue on a $11.5 million budget and is nearly a 22% loss in revenue for Menahga. If we are forced to go to all distance learning, we anticipate these numbers will nearly double. Menahga’s enrollment has been rising in the past years, and this is the first year in many that our numbers have declined.”

Legislators reconvened for a fifth special session on Monday. Rep. Davnie’s legislation awaits a remote public committee hearing.

House Select Committee on Racial Justice Devotes Hearing to Public Testimony

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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota House Select Committee on Racial Justice Monday dedicated three hours to gathering testimony from members of the public. During the hearing, Minnesotans shared a wide variety of ways systemic racism has impacted them relating to education, health care, economic opportunities, public safety systems, and more.

“Even after spending most of an afternoon hearing from people, we barely scratched the surface about how racism continues to affect Minnesotans in unacceptable ways,” said Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul), co-chair of the Select Committee. “I thank everyone who took time to share their experiences with us and their ideas for changes to improve opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.”  

Sixty individuals signed up to testify before the committee, including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Testifiers shared examples of health care disparities, including chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, pregnancy outcomes, and big tobacco’s targeting of flavored products – menthol as an example – to people of color. Several testifiers recommended solutions to improve education opportunities and child development, including recruiting and retaining teachers of color, college savings plans, and elimination of discipline policies that disproportionately impact students of color, resulting in the “school to prison pipeline.” Economic concerns addressed by testifiers included housing insecurity and long-term homelessness, a lack of generational wealth, and pay equity. There were also calls for continued criminal justice reform initiatives following the killing of George Floyd and support for victims of racially motivated crimes.

“The select committee’s latest hearing was of significant importance because it was devoted to collecting public testimony,” said co-chair Rep. Ruth Richardson. “We’re creating a new and long overdue space at the Legislature where Minnesotans including those closest to the pain can share their stories, perspectives, and ideas for how we reckon with systemic racism in our state.” 

The Select Committee on Racial Justice was established as part of a July 11 Minnesota House resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. The Select Committee is charged with analyzing legislative efforts through an intersectional race and equity lens. A list of members is available here. 

“I’m grateful to the members of the public who took time to share their testimony with the committee today,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Public participation in this conversation is essential. The voices of those most impacted by systemic racism need to be at the center of our efforts to build a Minnesota that works better for everyone.”

Video of the hearing can be accessed on House Public Information Services’YouTube channel. Previously, the committee held hearings on health mortality and morbidity, adverse childhood experiences, historical trauma, and answering the question “what is racism?” The Select Committee’s next hearing will be on Tuesday, October 20 at 1 p.m. to discuss the economic costs of racism.

Rep. Ecklund statement on Veterans Restorative Justice Act

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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls), chair of the House Veterans and Military Affairs Division, issued the following statement regarding the Veterans Restorative Justice Act:

“Today, we had the opportunity to come together – as Democrats and Republicans – to help our military veterans, who have admirably served our country, but who have made mistakes during rough patches after returning home. Often, these mistakes can be directly tied to trauma they experienced during their service. The Veterans Restorative Justice Act would help change this. The bill would create alternative sentencing options for veterans who commit crimes under a certain severity threshold with service-connected trauma, substance abuse, or mental health conditions.

“The advocates who worked on this bill made it clear: they want us to pass a clean bill, and I feel that’s what we owe them. But in preparation for us to consider the legislation on the House Floor today, Republicans prepared numerous amendments in an effort to stop the bill, despite many months of bipartisan consensus. Only one thing appears to have changed: we are now less than three weeks away from a general election.

Continue reading “Rep. Ecklund statement on Veterans Restorative Justice Act”

Minnesota House approves major jobs legislation to jumpstart economy

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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — With 100 votes, Minnesota House lawmakers today approved legislation that will create and protect tens of thousands of jobs. The nearly $2 billion package would be a major boon to Minnesota’s economy at a time when the unemployment rate is stuck at historically high levels due to the pandemic. House Republicans previously blocked passage of similar jobs bills in May and July. 

“We listened to Minnesotans who have been asking for our help,” said House Capital Investment Chair Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown). “This economic stimulus bill connects Minnesotans to other Minnesotans, addresses critical public infrastructure needs across the state, and will create thousands of jobs at a time when they are sorely needed. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this important jobs and local projects and economic development package.” 

According to the most recent data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate stands at 7.9% and job gains were lower than expected in September. The US economy is still 11 million jobs short of pre-pandemic levels.

Continue reading “Minnesota House approves major jobs legislation to jumpstart economy”

Senate DFL response to the Senate Republican Report on the Civil Unrest in Minnesota

by Senator Ron Latz

October 13, 2020

Today, the Senate Republicans published their Review of Lawlessness and Government Responses to Minnesota’s 2020 Riots report based on the hearings that they held over the summer on the civil unrest in the state.

The report was given to the members of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee and the Transportation Committee just one hour to review before the Senate Republicans released it to the public.

Senator Ron Latz (DFL-Saint Louis Park), Senate DFL lead on the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, and Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis), Senate DFL lead on the Transportation Committee, released the following statement in response:

“As the DFL leads for these committees, we should have been given longer than an hour to review this 50-page report before it was published to the public. Once again, the Senate majority’s lack of transparency and gross miscalculation of the moment is astounding. 

Continue reading “Senate DFL response to the Senate Republican Report on the Civil Unrest in Minnesota”

Minnesota House Select Committee on Racial Justice learns about historical trauma

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SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Members of the Minnesota House Select Committee on Racial Justice met today to learn about the impact of historical trauma on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Video of presentations and committee discussion will be postedhere soon.  

“We know that trauma can be transmitted through generations and impact the health and well-being of people today,” said committee co-chair Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL – Mendota Heights). “If we want to see healing, we have to acknowledge and reckon with our painful past.” 

The committee’s third meeting featured presentations from Kate Beane, PhD, Carly Bad Heart Bull, JD, and Sam Simmons, LADC. Beane and Bad Heart Bull, who are sisters and members of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Dakota nation, focused on the experiences of Indian Country and Simmons discussed the experiences of the African-American community. 

“It’s important for all lawmakers to fully comprehend the trauma Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have experienced over generations,” said Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul), co-chair of the select committee. “As we seek the changes necessary to deliver true racial justice, we must intentionally work to create policies that do not further harm these communities and structural racism does not continue to perpetuate inequities.”

“Centuries of inequities have led to deep historical trauma for people of color in our state and nation,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “It is our responsibility to acknowledge this trauma and do all we can to end the structural and institutional racism that causes it.” 

The committee’s next meeting, on October 13, is devoted entirely to collecting public comments. Minnesotans can participate via Zoom, submit written comments, or leave a voicemail message. Contact Committee Legislative Assistant Binta Kanteh at Binta.Kanteh@house.mn or 651-296-882 for more information. 

The Select Committee on Racial Justice was established as part of a July 11 Minnesota House resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. A list of select committee members is available here.